Williamsport, PA... The College of New Jersey wrestling team capped off one of the busiest weeks of the season in style on Saturday as the Lions claimed the title at the prestigious Budd Whitehill Duals with a pair of wins.

The 15th-ranked Lions opened with a narrow 23-21 win over 16th-ranked SUNY Cortland and then held off 22nd-ranked Ohio Northern University in the finals, 19-13. TCNJ defeated three ranked teams in the tournament held at Lycoming College as they captured their second title in the last five years. It was also the program's ninth title at the tournament since 1990.

In all, the Lions went 5-0 in the two-day tournament extending their winning streak to nine straight dual meets. For the season, TCNJ is 13-1.

In the finals, the Lions forged out to a 10-3 lead against the Polar Bears as Steve Godine (Whippany, NJ/Whippany Park) won at 125 followed by a major decision from Dan Herr (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Knolls) at 133. John Darling (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown) later tacked on another win via decision at 149 for that advantage.

ONU then won two of the next three weight classes, before TCNJ's trio of Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East), Brian Broderick (Manahawkin, NJ/Southern Regional), and Mike Denver (Bayville, NJ/Central Regional) collected wins at 174, 184, and 197 respectively to secure the team title. The by Bonitatis was over 2010 NCAA Division III Champion Luke Miller, who won the title at 157 pounds.

The Lions opened the day facing SUNY Cortland in the semifinals as the teams each won five bouts. TCNJ, however, won its matches in impressive fashion as Broderick (174) and Denver (184) each recorded pins, while John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Township) at 149 and Bonitatis at 165 each won by major decision.

The Lions earned a much deserved break after wrestling seven dual meets in a span of five days as they are idle until Friday, January 21 when they head to Wilkes University for a dual meet.